ENGLISH HAS become a language of power and influence. Different countries all over the world have acknowledged the English language as part of their culture. Some schools in non-English-speaking countries now require learning English as part of their educational curriculum.
Young children are enrolled in English classes to be able to keep up with the global community when they grow older. The influence of this language is spreading across the world that people are beginning to forget the importance of their own languages and even their own cultures.
In China, citizens look up to those who are able to speak English and consider them more educated than the ones who only speak their native language. English-speaking natives in Korea are highly respected that companies pay them higher salaries than non-English-speaking locals who have graduated from good universities. English may be the universal language, but it does not have to overshadow other cultures and languages.
Learning English is healthy because it connects nations to many parts of the world, but it will not be good if it “overwhelms” the other languages. It is important to acknowledge different cultures and traditions and not just those that are globally trending. People must be proud of their own native languages and should express their love for their cultures with deeds.
Celebrating diversity is a healthy way to connect with other nations and it can also be an opportunity to gain more knowledge about other cultures. Everyone should start balancing the worth of all the languages in the world and not just focus on a powerful one.
—KIMBERLY GAYLE J. CHUA, kimgaylechua@gmail.com